This bourbon hits you at the front of your mouth and finishes smoothly. It has a very well-balanced sweetness, lingers a while, and everything is pleasant. There's nothing you can really fault this sub-$30 bourbon for. Compared to barrel proof, it has a little bit less body, flavors are a little less bold, and a little less alcohol burn. Overall, however, I wouldn't say it's necessarily inferior to barrel proof, just a milder personality. Still a little bit of spice kick. It's a very good bourbon and one that I will keep in stock as an everyday kind of bourbon. This is the best bourbon for the buck that I have found.